Emily is a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist who received her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2022, from American International College in Springfield, MA. She gained clinical experience working with children with ADD, ADHD, SPD, ASD, and a variety of other diagnoses. She has her bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology and considers fitness a passion. Emily is enthusiastic about incorporating the use of therapeutic exercise and movement in her treatment sessions to help bring confidence and success to children and their families.

In her free time, Emily enjoys exercising, playing with her dog, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.

Olivia is a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist who received her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2021, and her bachelor’s degree in occupational science in 2020, from Ithaca College. Olivia has worked in both school settings and in Early Intervention, where she gained clinical experience in supporting emotional regulation, social/emotional skill development, mental health impairments, and fine/gross motor skills.  Olivia is passionate about a child and family-centered approach to care. As a staff therapist at KidSHINE, Olivia brings her passion for working with children and their families to create individualized care plans, while looking at the child as a whole. Olivia also brings her passion for physical activities as a former rower at Ithaca College to KidSHINE, to help children learn about their bodies and everything they are capable of to succeed in life.

Olivia is a Basic DIRFloortime® Provider, specializing in the implementation of the DIR model, which focuses on supporting children’s emotional and developmental growth through play-based, relationship-drive interactions. Olivia utilizes specific techniques to engage with the child through a sense of felt safety, to help them progress through developmental milestones and address individual needs and strengths.

In her free time, Olivia enjoys working out at Reck Fitness in Beverly, going for long walks on the beautiful beaches in Cape Ann, finding the best places for iced coffee, and spending time with family and friends.

Kayla is a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist who received her master’s degree in occupational therapy in 2019 from Quinnipiac University. Kayla has spent her OT career working in the school system where she gained experience working with students with ASD, Down Syndrome, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. She has experience supporting sensory processing needs, fine/gross motor skills, emotional regulation, and developing life skills. As a staff therapist at KidSHINE, Kayla is passionate about helping kids grow their skills and gain further success and independence. 

In her free time, you can find Kayla outside reading a good book, baking her favorite desserts or spending time with her friends and family.

Jenny joins the KidSHINE staff as a recent graduate of the North Shore Community College, Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, class of 2023. She completed one of her Level II Fieldworks at the Timberlane Learning Center, servicing Pre K- Kindergarten aged children. Jenny has 8 years of involvement with KidSHINE as a parent, intern, and now a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. 

Outside of KidSHINE, Jenny and her husband enjoy the busy schedules of their four children. In addition, she holds several volunteer roles. As a support group leader, she coordinates opportunities for families raising children with Down Syndrome to come together, connect, and navigate challenges they encounter. Jenny also has an enthusiasm for youth sports and exercise as she committed 10 years to coaching and eventually co-directing the MASCO Youth Field Hockey Program. She expresses her eagerness to contribute her expertise and experiences to the KidSHINE team. 

Marissa is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and recent graduate of North Shore Community College. Prior to becoming a COTA, Marissa’s flair for creativity led her to complete her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Photography from Massachusetts College of Art and Design. For over 10 years, Marissa had worked with children of all ages who had a variety of diagnoses as an adaptive horseback riding instructor. As well, Marissa has taught yoga, palates and a variety of visual art classes in community and summer programs.

In her free time, Marissa enjoys weaving, spending time outdoors, horseback riding, kayaking, rock climbing and hiking. Marissa finds great joy in sharing her passions with others, and seeing children achieve their goals as they partake in all that kidSHINE has to offer.

Melissa has been a certified occupational therapy assistant since 2017, after graduating from North Shore Community College. Melissa also has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts, obtained in 2005. Melissa worked as a COTA in the Methuen Public School system gaining experience and knowledge working with children with strength and FM needs as well as various diagnoses, including ASD, ADHD, CP and others. Melissa also worked as a lead teacher in a Montessori style preschool from 2007 – 2014 and taught children’s yoga from 2009 – 2014. Melissa brings with her a passion for meeting children where they are at and offering that just right challenge, noting that empathy and understanding are integral for creating a bond and a base needed for lasting impressions on her clients.

Melissa values exercise and movement for the health of mind and body and enjoys running, hiking, yoga, dancing, and any activities that involve moving.

Heidi is kidSHINE’s Office Manager. Leadership is everything with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. Her expertise includes operations management, business development, strategic planning with execution while motivating and bringing the best out in everyone. Heidi has a passion for leading teams and managing business operations, HR/Payroll with a professional demeanor along with bringing a fun and positive attitude.

Heidi is a proud mom of 2 teenage boys that are extremely active in sports. She enjoys triathlon distance races, long distance running and riding her bike.

heidi@kidshine-ot.com

Sara is the friendly face who welcomes you to our Rowley location, managing all the clinic’s scheduling needs and enjoying every opportunity to interact with caregivers and clients. She’s also the talent behind our email marketing and program promotions, as well as the brains behind our newsletter. With an administrative background in healthcare, an associate’s degree in health science, and experience working with children, Sara is a key part of our team. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her spunky daughter and pets, enjoys the outdoors, and dreams of having a homestead one day.

Terri is kidSHINE’s office manager, scheduler, insurance specialist, and sanity keeper. She is a medical billing specialist and certified bookkeeper with over 20 years experience working in medical offices. Terri can answer any questions that current and prospective clients have, and she keeps kidSHINE running smoothly. Terri has a passion for helping families to navigate insurance complexities so that their children can receive all the services they require.

In her free time, Terri loves spending time with her daughters, her two grandchildren and her grand fur babies.

billing@kidshine-ot.com

EXERSHINE Kids POWER Bootcamp Instructor & Occupational Therapy Aide

Amanda is a graduate of Salem State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology. Amanda completed a semester-long internship at KidSHINE and fell in love with the community here, and is now a full-time employee. Amanda is on her path to continue her education within the Occupational Therapy field and applying to graduate programs for next year.

Some of Amanda’s favorite things to do are going for nature walks, shopping, checking out new restaurants, dancing, and spending time with loved ones.

Programs Coordinator & Lead Rehab Aide

Emily is a graduate of UMass Amherst, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology in May of 2023. Emily has decided to continue her education at North Shore Community College in the COTA program, but in between classes she enjoys learning the field hands-on at KidSHINE! Emily has experience working with kiddos and adults with a variety of disabilities as a rehab aide at an adaptive horseback riding clinic.

Some of Emily’s favorite things to do are finding new hiking spots, bringing her dog on a walk with her mom, coloring, dancing, and spending time with her cat.

Instructor & Rehab Aide

Katie is a 2024 graduate of the University of New England, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Health Wellness and Occupational Studies with a minor in Special Education. During her time at UNE, Katie was a D3 college soccer player and worked as a Behavioral Health Professional. She discovered kidSHINE and was immediately drawn to our philosophy of using exercise as a powerful tool for positive change. Now, as an EXERSHINE Kids POWER Bootcamp Instructor and Rehab Aide, Katie is excited to support our mission during her gap year before beginning the MSOT program at UNE.

Outside of work, Katie enjoys staying active through exercise, going for walks, and spending time with her puppy, Harvey.